From microscopy centre to culture laboratory: a viable ride for mycobacteria.

ABSTRACT

SETTINGS Culture and drug susceptibility testing of Mycobacterium tuberculosis is required for the treatment of drug-resistant tuberculosis. Cetylpyridinium chloride-sodium chloride (CPC-NaCl) solution is recommended for the preservation of sputum during transport. OBJECTIVE: To study the possibility of sputum preservation and transport in CPC-NaCl and its effect on culture. DESIGN: Sputum specimens preserved with CPC-NaCl were transported to the laboratory for culture from remote microscopy centres of Andhra Pradesh and Orissa states, India. RESULTS: Of the 175 specimens, 140 (80%) yielded mycobacteria, 21 (12%) did not yield any growth, 11 (6.2%) grew contaminants and 3 (1.7%) were lost due to leakage. Culture positivity was greater in specimens stored for 1 week. Culture results from specimens stored for 2 weeks are encouraging. CONCLUSION: The CPC-NaCl preservation technique can be used for effective preservation and transport of